Texas Senate Race Tightens as Paxton and Talarico Battle for November
Political headwinds are often difficult to predict or to judge, depending on a vast number of factors that might tilt the scales one way or another. This has now become true in the hotly contested race for the U.S. Senate seat as a result of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent win over incumbent John Cornyn in the Republican Party runoff. Back in February, sources reported that the three-way race “was too close to call” between Cornyn, Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt.
That contest ultimately led to the runoff between Cornyn and Paxton, in which Paxton prevailed and will face Democratic Nominee James Talarico, who defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary.
Recent Polls Show a Closely Divided Electorate
Many political campaigns rely on polls, taken by different entities, to aid in the development of their strategies as time moves forward to election day. Responses have a way of shaping a candidate’s messages and identifying their stance on issues important to voters from different perspectives and backgrounds. In various recent polls from late June, both candidates were found to be leading by 2.3% (Talarico), tied at 47% each, and leading by 1.48% (Paxton). It appears as if the race will be quite close, and voters will have the last word come November.
Paxton Continues to Face Legal and Political Scrutiny
Outliers in this race are coming from within, as some Republican Senators have warned that “the President may have cost himself a “winnable seat” with the endorsement of Ken Paxton, while others described Paxton as “ethically challenged,” given his history of a string of political scandals he has weathered, including an impeachment by the Texas Legislature, being acquitted of sixteen articles of impeachment, as well as having endured a federal investigation for securities fraud.
Additionally, his estranged spouse, State Sen. Angela Paxton, alleged in filed divorce documents that the candidate has not lived at the Collin County address in two years but has claimed that address when he voted in the past six elections. This comes on the heels of the Attorney General being responsible for enforcing voting rules.
Related: Poll Shows Talarico Leading Paxton With Hispanic Business Owners
Talarico Builds Financial Support and Campaign Momentum
James Talarico, in the meantime, has raised $30 million for his race in the past three months. One of his early messages was that he planned “to litigate Paxton’s scandals to a weary electorate.” Talarico has described Paxton as the most corrupt politician in America, adding,
He’s failed the character test, putting his own interests above the laws of Texas,” while adding that “these are not my words—these are words from his fellow Republicans.
James Talarico
It was news, at one point, that President Trump suggested that Paxton consider dropping out of the runoff so Republicans could focus on defeating the Democratic nominee.
Texas Voters Will Decide the Outcome in November
Texas has long been a Republican stronghold at the Federal level, but recent elections have grown more competitive as demographics and political shifts reshape the electorate. There will always be changes on the horizon, which will lead to a more representative government and one that is responsive to the People. At every level, voters must become engaged, get organized, and turn out during the upcoming elections, which will bring the benefits our communities deserve!
Your Vote Is Your Voice!
Read Next: Talarico Calls on Paxton to Release the ‘Hoffman Files’ Related to Child Molestation Plea Deal
